MHA writes to Bengal Chief Secy, DGP on alleged lockdown violations; seeks action

Ministry of Home Affairs has written to West Bengal Chief Secretary and DGP seeking a report on alleged violations of coronavirus lockdown. letter, signed by Deputy Secretary to Centre, says that re is regulation of vegetable, fish and mutton markets "where people have been thronging in complete violation of social distancing rms".

"As per furr reports received from security ncies, gradual dilution of lockdown has been reported from West Bengal, with an increase in number of exceptions being provided by State Government," letter said.

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Don't allow violations

MHA also mentioned some of places where se alleged violations have occurred — Rajabazaar, Narkel Danga, Topsia, Metiaburz, Gardenreach, Iqbalpur and Maniktala in Kolkata. Ministry furr said that re is a rise in COVID-19 cases in Narkel Danga.

MHA also stated that police have reportedly allowed religious congregation and free ration to poor are distributed by political leaders and t through institutional delivery system which "may have resulted in spread of COVID-19 infection". Home Ministry said such activities are in violation of Disaster Manment Act, 2005, and warned of penal action against violators.

MHA has also asked state administration to take action against se violations and file a report on this regard to Minister urgently. "It is furr requested to take measures to prevent recurrence of such violations in future," letter added.

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Coronavirus cases

India has reported 7447 COVID-19 cases so far out of which 239 patients have died while 643 have recovered and been discharged. West Bengal has reported 116 positive cases of which five patients have died while 16 people have recovered. nation entered its eighteenth-day of  three-week nationwide lockdown, which is likely to be extended as per government sources.

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